Clarification on TSA Regulations

I have always checked my suitcase, but now would like to carry-on. I've scoured the TSA website, but I still don't have a clear understanding of how they classify deodorant and shaving cream. Stick-solid deodorant doesn't seem to be either a liquid or gel, so I would assume I can pack a full-sized container in my carry-on suitcase. Shaving cream seems to be a gel or aerosol, so I assume I'd need a 3 oz. travel size for this. Is there a definitive source for this information? Thanks.

Before I replied to your question I first went to the TSA website and it looks like they've changed their format since I'd last looked at it. And not necessarily for the better. They used to break down all this information in a handy guide, but now I can't find it.

Anyhoo, solid deodorant is not considered a liquid (but the gel kind is), so no need to put it into the 3-1-1 bag. However, shaving cream is considered a liquid so you'll need to abide by the 3 oz rule and keep it in your quart-sized bag.

As an additional FYI (just in case...), toothpaste is also considered a liquid. Hope this helps!

When I traveled last year, I saw a sign that stated the rules in a very simple way. It said if you can pour it out (liquid), squeeze it out (gel/paste), or spray it out (aerosol), it goes in the 3-1-1 bag. Your solid deodorant doesn't need to go in. The rules are listed in links on the righthand side of the home page at www.tsa.gov, under "3-1-1 rule", and "prohibited items".

I would also add that, although in the early months of the liquids-gels-aerosols restrictions, there was a lot of random variability among TSA screeners as to what was allowed and what was not. But in the last year or so, I've not seen any more of that kind of inconsistency. Stick deodorant, chapstick, and other "creamy" solids are all no problem in carry-on outside the magic 1 quart ziplock baggie.

(I have to say, though, that I am really, really looking forward to the phaseout of this policy!)

I read something not long ago that the TSA was going to relax their liquid carry on rules in 2009 and allow passengers to carry big bottles of liquids onto their flights. The containers will still have to be removed from bags for separate screening. They said technological advances are the reason for the change because of new x ray machines that are capable of distinguishing between harmless liguids and dangerous explosives.

It's never a bad idea to downsize. My shave kit now fits easily in two plastic bags, one for liquids (taken out for TSA) and one for solids/toothbrush/razor. I used to use Rick's smaller shavekit for travel, now I find that's too big.

Thanks for all of the help. I'm surprised that this information isn't spelled out in crystal clear fashion by the TSA. There is a lot of outdated or incorrect information out on the web regarding this subject. Veteran travelers know the regulations from experience, but new travelers need guidance. I'm not beating up the TSA - they have a difficult job. It's just that educating us before we get to the airport would be in the TSA's best interest, to make for efficient screening.

Just finished returning from Europe (FRA)
they were not asking people to show their baggie of goodies at all. I did put mine in the bin but others ahead of me didn't and no questions asked.
to be on the safe side, keep to the 3 oz limit.

in Europe they probably will weigh your carry on while at my airport in Canada, they did not.

make sure you know the limits of the carry on ie the weight allowed for your airlines

Thanks again for the info. I have been through four security screenings since posting this question, and signs at the entrances were always precise about what was/was not allowed. I was just hoping to find this same clear information in advance, on the TSA website.

Yep, got not only my new toothpaste confiscated, but also my almost used toothpaste. (I never considered that it was a "liquid") It doesn't seem to matter how much is in there, but what it says on the package. so if you have a half empty, 4 oz. bottle, it will still count as 4 oz.

I had a TSA agent tell me I could pour the water out of my 16 oz bottle, keep the bottle, and fill it up from water fountain once I passed security. So I did it. I filled the water bottle a couple of times before I discarded it.

Jo, sounds like some of those folks simply follow the rules and forget about common sense. My mother also lost a bottle of her Oil of Olay because it was 4 oz and she had forgotten to check with her luggage. She said not more than 2 oz remained in it, and she asked them about that, but they said, nothing over 3 oz even if it's empty!

For those of you who have to take medication that needs to stay chilled, here is a good tip that I recently got. Since those ice gel things probably wont go through with TSA, here is what you can do instead. Put your medication in a cool bag. Surround it with Tupperware filled with ice. Before going through security, dump out the ice. As soon as you are through, stop at any restaurant and get your Tupperware filled up again. TA DA!

It is also a myth that airplanes have refrigerators for you to keep things like medications cool. They don't. Also, if you have a layover, some of the airlines will let you go to their lounges and they will chill your meds for you while you walk around the airport, etc. I found this to be very kind of them. They even offered me coffee and snacks!

You can "make" a portable refrigerator out of an air sickness bag lined with plastic and one of those instant chemical activated cold packs.

I forget what you call them but you can buy them for your First Aid kit. You roll and pop them to activate. They are less bother than ice which melts.

If anyone needs to chill medication during a flight I would suggest they come equipped with at least two of the things I mentioned. Your Airline may or may not have these on board for you so come prepared.

It's true, the limit was always 3.4 oz (100 ml, actually) but a lot of TSA screeners didn't know that. If I was determined to take a 3.4 oz. container in my baggie, I'd have a print out of the clarified TSA regs. Otherwise it's "Do you want to fly today!?"

I've found that decanting many of my liquids and gels into small containers helps me get more products into my bag without getting TSA hassled. I have some clear clamshell cylindrical containers that I get at Storables in Seattle. They're about the diameter of a 50 cent piece. The one that's the height of a golfball holds about 6 weeks worth of gel deoderant at less than the weight of a solid stick. The only that's about a half inch or so holds four or five uses of conditioner. Another holds a month's worth of hair styling gel, another takes my eye cream. Any thick liquid works fine in them.

Another tip, especially for women who use facial serums. Asian grocery stores sell tiny plastic bottles that hold a teaspoon or two of liquid. They're designed to carry soy sauce for Japanese bento box lunches. But they hold a couple of weeks supply of vitamin C serum, liquid foundation, etc. A bag of 20 cost me two dollars total.